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Workers with care responsibilities

The interactions between employment and caring are becoming increasingly important in the face of demographic ageing in Europe. Sustainability of long-term care systems requires an extensive contribution from informal carers,while labour market requirements and contemporary lifestyles and aspirations encourage increased participation of women - the traditional providers of the larger share of informal care - in the labour force. An added factor is the expectation of a longer working life as retirement ages seem set to rise across the EU. A multipronged approach is needed to address the challenges in this area. This database highlights some 50 company initiatives that support workers with dependent-care responsibilities in 10 Member States. The research was carried out during 2009-2010.

Company / organisation name
Varova
Initiative name
A Life Cycle Approach to Well-being at Work
About the company / organisation
Varova is a transport and logistics company established in 1948. It is based in Helsinki and offers international road, air and sea transportation. The company has 170 employees, 50% of whom are women. The average age of staff is 44 years.

Company / organisation name
Dublin Bus
Initiative name
Various provisions for working carers
About the company / organisation
Dublin Bus is the main public transport provider for the city and county of Dublin and neighbouring areas. It carries 150 million passengers each year and transports 70% of all public transport commuters into Dublin during peak times. Dublin Bus currently employs over 3,500 people and has a fleet of over 1,000 buses.

Company / organisation name
Mensura
Initiative name
Carer-friendly flexibility in time and place
About the company / organisation
Mensura is a consulting services company in the field of health and safety at work. The company aims to offer simple and efficient solutions to all types of employers in order to support them in the management of legal obligations regarding prevention, and health and safety at work.